I address the following questions to Brighton and Hove City Council leader Ken Bodfish: Why are such non-urgent roadworks as the resurfacing of the small stretch of bus lane by St Peter's Church carried out at the height of the tourist season, causing chaos to traffic and resulting in serious loss of trade to city centre shops?

Why has such a minuscule task taken three weeks?

I waited for approximately 20 minutes at the temporary bus stop opposite St Peter's at about 3pm.

Although the surface had been cleared, the site was deserted with no work proceeding.

On another occasion, seeing a workman standing around, I asked him why it was taking so long.

With a grin and seemingly commendable honesty he replied: "We've got to make it look as if it's worth it."

On a third occasion, no actual work was being done, except for three strong men moving very slowly to measure the distance between the two kerbs, one at each end of the tape measure, the third supporting the centre.

I noted none of these measurements was being recorded.

Has any penalty for tardy completion been written into this contract?

What is the cost of this work?

I trust Councillor Bodfish will not use the smokescreen of commercial confidentiality to refuse to answer questions.

The public has a right to know how its money is spent.

What a pity such road maintenance is not in-house, then all work on main routes could be accomplished out of season and work on residential areas reserved for the summer.

The council would be in full control and obtain value for money, not be a hostage to the manipulations of private interests.

-Oscar Thompsett, Patcham, Brighton